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The role of environments in high quality early learning: 5 quick questions with an exceeding centre
Q and A with Goodstart Burleigh Waters Centre Director Lee Green
Goodstart Burnside
Welcome to Goodstart Burnside!
We create a welcoming, home-like long day care environment where our educators support each child to grow, explore and thrive.
Our early learning centre is located on the corner of Westwood Drive and Rockbank Middle Road, between Melton and Deer Park, with easily accessible public transport routes.
Families value our longstanding educators, strong partnerships and the high-quality care we provide for children from six weeks to five years.
With six age-based rooms from nursery to kindergarten, plus spacious outdoor play areas, we nurture every child to discover, learn and build confidence at their own pace.
We invite you to take a tour of our service – our team would love to meet you.
What makes our centre special:
- Six age-appropriate learning environments from Nursery to Kindergarten
- Longstanding educators, many with 10+ years at the centre
- Three qualified early childhood teachers delivering quality programs, with a focus on school-readiness for kindergarten
- Home-like spaces that help children feel secure and connected
- Weekly Magical Kindy Dance program for all age groups
- Diverse team speaking Vietnamese, Punjabi, Hindi and English
- Strong focus on family relationships and continuity of care through the Key Educator approach
Our families often describe Goodstart Burnside as a 'home away from home' where children feel safe, supported and excited to learn.
With freshly renovated spaces, including a modern kindergarten bathroom, and inviting play areas, children can engage in active play, develop independence and form strong friendships.
You and your family can feel confident in the tailored care we provide.
We celebrate cultural diversity and community through events such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Mother's and Father's Day, helping children connect with their world and embrace inclusion.
Our centre cook prepares nutritious, allergen-friendly meals daily, and qualified staff are trained in first aid, asthma, and anaphylaxis management.
Book a tour today to see firsthand why we're a trusted choice for local families, and how we can support your child's learning journey.
Learn more about Goodstart Burnside
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At Goodstart Burnside, our philosophy centres around the belief that every child is a unique individual with their own interests and strengths. We embrace a play-based learning approach that nurtures curiosity and creativity, allowing children to explore their world in meaningful ways. 
We prioritise: 
- Holistic Development: Supporting cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth through engaging and developmentally appropriate activities. 
- Family and Community Engagement: Building strong partnerships with families and the community to create a supportive network for each child. 
- Inclusive Environment: Celebrating diversity and ensuring that all children feel valued, respected, and included. 
- Lifelong Learning: Instilling a love of learning by encouraging exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. 
Through our philosophy, we aim to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive and become confident, capable learners. 
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Children need to feel safe and supported to learn and grow, so we promote key educator relationships between our educators and children. Your child will have at least one educator (their key educator) who takes them under their wing and really gets to know them. 
Our Key Educator relationships help children form secure attachments. Educators work closely with smaller groups and individual children to better understand each child. These relationships lead to improved outcomes for children as we foster more communication between families and educators. 
We inform families regularly about their child's progress and welcome family involvement in our centre events and activities.  
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At our Burnside centre, we're proud to inspire your child's love of learning with the support of our passionate and qualified early childhood experts. Teachers with bachelor's degrees run our three and four-year-old kindergarten program, so children can be well on their way to excellent learning outcomes by the time they start school. 
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At Goodstart, we believe all children deserve the best possible start in life, which includes access to high-quality early childhood education and care. We offer:  
- Discounts on multiple days  
- All day sessions  
- Fee assistance programs for families that need support
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We work closely with parents to ensure the individual needs, interests and strengths of children are considered, and our learning goals reflect them. Using Storypark, a wonderful communication platform, we stay in close touch with families and ensure you're well informed about your child's development and achievements. 
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Click here to book your tour or call our Family Services team to find out more on 1800 222 543. 
Lauren Jacobs
Centre Director
Hello! My name is Lauren Jacobs, and I’m proud to be the Centre Director at Goodstart Burnside.
Welcome to Goodstart Burnside
Located in Melbourne on the land of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung people. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education and care, I’m passionate about creating a nurturing environment where every child can grow, learn, and thrive.
About Me
I began my career as a Certificate III educator, working across a variety of centres and quickly discovering my passion for early learning. Since then, I’ve completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, led both nursery and toddler rooms, and progressed into leadership as an Assistant Director and now Centre Director.
My Philosophy
I believe in creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all children, families, and staff. Building a culturally safe environment where everyone feels respected, heard, and valued is at the heart of everything we do.
Why Families Love Goodstart Burnside
Our centre is known for its warm, positive atmosphere. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be welcomed by a caring and dedicated team who are committed to supporting your child’s development and wellbeing.
One of the things that makes our centre truly special is the longevity of our team. Many of our educators have been part of the Goodstart Burnside community for many years, creating a strong sense of continuity, trust, and belonging for children and families alike.
My Commitment to You
I am committed to providing a high-quality, engaging, and supportive learning environment for your child. I value open and transparent communication and believe strong partnerships with families are key to each child’s success.
Book a Tour
We’d love to welcome you to our centre. Get in touch with our team or book a tour to see firsthand what makes Goodstart Burnside such a special place for children and families.
Government Funded Kindergarten Program
At Burnside, you and your child can enjoy the best of both worlds. Our early learning centre offers a Government-funded kindergarten program and long day care under the one roof. Our kindergarten teachers are University qualified and provide a play-based learning program that will support your child in learning the skills for school and life.
Government Funded Kindergarten Program
At Burnside, you and your child can enjoy the best of both worlds. Our early learning centre offers a Government-funded kindergarten program and long day care under the one roof. Our kindergarten teachers are University qualified and provide a play-based learning program that will support your child in learning the skills for school and life.
Nearby centres
6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
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6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Nursery
- Toddler
- Kindergarten
6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday
- Nursery
- Toddler
- Kindergarten
